The Bethpage plume is threatening Massapequa’s water supply. Even more shocking is the apparent lack of awareness regarding the dangerous condition. Since October 2009, the groundwater contamination plume has been flowing from the U.S. Navy/Grumman Aerospace Plant in Bethpage, New York. The plume contains harmful and poisonous chemicals that can have detrimental effects if not stopped.
A plume is the direction in which contaminated water flows, and according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the plume is headed straight for Massapequa water. The threatening plume is about 3.5 miles long and 1.6 miles wide, and extends below the surface about 700 feet.
Some contaminants found in the plume are suspected to be carcinogenic and extremely toxic. According to News 12 Long Island, the plume originated from chemicals that seeped into the soil from the U.S. Navy/Grumman site.
Residents who live directly above the plume may be affected by soil vapor intrusion. In order to prevent complete contamination, immediate action is required. If the plume is not stopped, over 200,000 water users will be affected.
“It’s a scary thought that Massapequa’s water could cause cancer,” junior Dan Sweeney said.
Massapequa residents are concerned over the fact that there is little being done to stop this plume. “I honestly had no idea we were even being threatened by a plume,” junior Olivia Geraghty said. “I don’t think we’re being told enough details and action should be taken immediately.”
Despite the lack of public knowledge, Massapequa Water District Superintendent Stan Carey assures that action is being taken. According to his recent newsletter, the Massapequa Water District finished several projects which include the replacement of underground storage tanks and the improvement of water pressure during the past year.
“Under this provision, additional monitoring wells will be installed with remediation extraction wells (a pump and treat system) to stop the plume from further migration,” Carey said. “Although this is not the complete containment we had hoped for, it helps protect MWD’s northwest wellfield which is under the most immediate threat.”
The total cost of these projects have yet to be released to the public, but the Board of Commissioners continues to balance funding by using reserved funds. In Bethpage, over 14 million dollars have been spent to clean the toxic water.
Citizens should take solace in knowing that the Massapequa Water District is doing everything in its power to prevent the plume from spreading. To find out more about the plume, citizens can visit the Massapequa Water District website at www.massapequawater.com.